Dooish N.S. Code of Behaviour Anti Bullying Policy Review & Update 2024
See below our revised Anti Bullying Policy in revised template format required by Anti Bullying Procedures for Primary & Post Primary Schools 2013 which was adopted at a Board of Management meeting on 7th February 2024.
Dooish N.S. Anti-Bullying Policy
All sections of this template must be completed
In accordance with the requirements of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 and the code of behaviour guidelines issued by the NEWB, the Board of Management of ____________Dooish National___ school has adopted the following anti-bullying policy within the framework of the school’s overall code of behaviour. This policy fully complies with the requirements of the Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools which were published in September 2013.
The Board of Management recognises the very serious nature of bullying and the negative impact that it can have on the lives of pupils and is therefore fully committed to the following key principles of best practice in preventing and tackling bullying behaviour:
A positive school culture and climate which-
is welcoming of difference and diversity and is based on inclusivity;
encourages pupils to disclose and discuss incidents of bullying behaviour in a non-threatening environment; and promotes respectful relationships across the school community;
The following are some practical tips for immediate actions that can be taken to help build a positive school culture and climate and to help prevent and tackle bullying behaviour.
Model respectful behaviour to all members of the school community at all times.
Explicitly teach pupils what respectful language and respectful behaviour looks like, acts like, sounds like and feels like in class and around the school.
Display key respect messages in classrooms, in assembly areas and around the school. Involve pupils in the development of these messages.
Catch them being good – notice and acknowledge desired respectful behaviour by providing positive attention.
Consistently tackle the use of discriminatory and derogatory language in the school – this includes homophobic and racist language and language that is belittling of pupils with a disability or SEN.
Give constructive feedback to pupils when respectful behaviour and respectful language are ignored.
Have a system of encouragement and rewards to promote desired behaviour and compliance with the school rules and routines.
Explicitly teach pupils about the appropriate use of social media.
Positively encourage pupils to comply with the school rules on mobile phone and internet use. Follow up and follow through with pupils who ignore the rules.
Effective leadership;
A school-wide approach; Parents are required to cooperate with this policy as requested at enrolment and in particular with any investigation. Parents will also be required to assist the school in resolving any issues and restoring as far as is practicable, the relationships of the parties involved as quickly as possible.
A shared understanding of what bullying is and its impact;
Implementation of education and prevention strategies (including awareness raising measures) that-
build empathy, respect and resilience in pupils; and
explicitly address the issues of cyber-bullying and identity-based bullying including in particular, homophobic and transphobic bullying.
Effective supervision and monitoring of pupils;
Supports for staff;
Consistent recording, investigation and follow up of bullying behaviour (including use of established intervention strategies); and
On-going evaluation of the effectiveness of the anti-bullying policy.
In accordance with the Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools bullying is defined as follows:
Bullying is unwanted negative behaviour, verbal, psychological or physical conducted, by an individual or group against another person (or persons) and which is repeated over time.
The following types of bullying behaviour are included in the definition of bullying:
deliberate exclusion, malicious gossip and other forms of relational bullying,
cyber-bullying and
identity-based bullying such as homophobic bullying, racist bullying, bullying based on a person’s membership of the Traveller community and bullying of those with disabilities or special educational needs.
The manner in which a school will develop and communicate a shared understanding of bullying amongst its pupils will depend on factors such as the age and maturity of the pupils concerned.
The school will attempt to deal with any negative impact within school of bullying that occurs elsewhere – either online, on the bus or in the community using the preventative and general advice below.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is a new and developing type of bullying. Parents should be aware of potential
cyberbullying by monitoring their children’s usage. Placing a once-off offensive or hurtful public message, image or statement on a social network site or other public forum where that message, image or statement can be viewed and/or repeated by other people will be regarded as bullying behaviour by the gardaí.
If allegations are made by parents regarding bullying on social media, the school advises parents to contact the gardaí. Following a pupil report to the relevant teacher or a request from a parent, a General Advice Letter will be sent out. The school will be unable to adjudicate on social networking behaviour as there is no access to same at school. In the General Advice Letter we will outline that it has come to our attention that children attending our school are using their networked devices – phones, tablets, laptops and X boxes inappropriately at home. Their unsupervised actions are causing distress for their peers and some difficulties are spilling over into the school. It is the school’s reasonable request that pupils attending our school should not communicate inappropriately to or about each other using these networked devices. Pupils at this school should not have social media accounts.
The school has no authority to sanction pupils or record misbehaviour / bullying if offences occur at home as the school has no access to social media sites. Inappropriate use of technology at school is dealt with under the school’s Acceptable Use Policy.
In School we monitor the allowed use of school technology using the Acceptable Use Policy from our School Policy Book. We arrange for the delivery of Safer Internet Use information to middle and senior pupils.
At home or in the community it is important that children are also supervised when on line. Primary School Children should not have access to Social Networking sites. Ongoing education and awareness is necessary for us all in these challenging times. A parental e-safety guide is available by emailing e-safety kit @ safeinternet.org or go to www.saferinternet.org.
Bus Misbehaviour
Misbehaviour on the bus including repeated instances of bullying should firstly be reported to the Bus Driver by parents. Pupils should also tell bus drivers of misbehaviour or concern on the buses. The Bus Driver may ask the Bus Inspector to help address the concern if the bus is run by Bus Eireann. Sometimes the Bus Inspector will visit the bus, home or school to speak to individuals or groups of pupils on the bus with another adult present. If it is a private bus, the Bus Driver will usually contact the Bus Owner.
Warnings may be given and tickets may be taken off pupils at the discretion of operators. The school has no authority to sanction pupils for Bus Misbehaviour or record bullying on these buses.Bus Drivers /Operators / Inspector are sometimes invited in to give general advice regarding bus misbehaviour and safety during Friendship Week. Guest speakers and the gardaí may also give preventative talks to groups and classes regarding appropriate behaviour on the bus.
Isolated or once-off incidents of intentional negative behaviour, including a once-off offensive or hurtful text message or other private messaging, do not fall within the definition of bullying and should be dealt with, as appropriate, in accordance with the school’s code of behaviour.
However, in the context of this policy, placing a once-off offensive or hurtful public message, image or statement on a social network site or other public forum where that message, image or statement can be viewed and/or repeated by other people will be regarded as bullying behaviour.
Please encourage your children to be kinder towards eachother and to consider the feelings of others.
Negative behaviour that does not meet this definition of bullying will be dealt with in accordance with the school’s code of behaviour.
Additional information on different types of bullying is set out in Section 2 of the Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools.
The relevant teacher(s) for investigating and dealing with bullying is (are) as follows: (see Section 6.8 of the Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools):
In these procedures, the member of teaching staff who has responsibility for investigating and dealing with bullying is referred to as the “relevant teacher”. In our school the relevant teacher will normally be the Class Teacher /Yard Duty Teacher with the support of the Principal / Deputy Principal. Any teacher can be the relevant teacher when an incident is reported to them or when circumstances are appropriate.
The education and prevention strategies (including strategies specifically aimed at cyber- bullying and identity-based bullying including in particular, homophobic and transphobic bullying) that will be used by the school are as follows (see Section 6.5 of the Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools):
Full implementation of the SPHE, RSE and Stay Safe programmes and curricula to ensure that school culture supports a safe social and personal environment. Training is available to all staff from the Education Centre / After School.
Seminars and approaches to bullying for staff are continually available from Donegal Education Centre. Parents may access community based interventions.
Resources and posters are available in the school.
Specific lessons on bullying from the Stay Safe Programme will be delivered.
Lessons will be given to senior pupils, parents and staff on Safer Internet Use by Donegal Youth Service.
Visits from Gardaí regarding personal safety and cyber bullying will take place.
Training for whole staff will take place in restorative practices.
Structured Play / Circle Time will be used to direct pupils on how to play properly – take turns etc. or challenge developing trends.
Friendship Days, Circle Time Discussion and Class Dojo points will be used to promote good behaviour.
Anti-Bullying Posters pupil / commercial will be displayed throughout the school at all times of the year.
Pupils will continually be reminded by teachers, coaches and bus drivers to be friendly towards each other.
Anti-Bullying Posters pupil / commercial will be displayed throughout the school at all times of the year.
All staff will supervise and monitor classrooms, corridors, school grounds, school tours and extra- curricular activities. Non-teaching and ancillary staff will be encouraged to be vigilant and report issues to relevant teachers. Supervision will also apply to monitoring student use of communication technology within the school especially in regard to I Pods / I Pads / laptops. Mobile phones are only allowed as per A.U.P.
The school’s procedures for investigation, follow-up and recording of bullying behaviour and the established intervention strategies used by the school for dealing with cases of bullying behaviour are as follows (see Section 6.8 of the Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools) :
Procedures for Telling
Tell a Teacher / S.N.A. before, during or after class. Bring a friend (open door/glass for child protection).
Tell a Teacher / S.N.A. on Yard Duty.
Get a friend to tell on your behalf inside or outside.
Parent(s) write a note to the Class Teacher /Principal.
Parent(s) request a meeting with your Class Teacher / Principal.
Parent(s) make a phone call to the Principal.
Teachers may administer a confidential questionnaire once a term to all students or ask them to write about how things are going for them. Eg. ‘Sixth Class so far’… Teachers will allow pupils to create a ‘Telling’ Poster to raise awareness on how to tell.
Teachers will emphasize the importance of bystanders telling if they witness bullying taking place.
‘I didn’t mean it’ will not be a sufficient defence if the pupil who is bullied felt that there was an unwanted negative behaviour towards them.
In cases where it has been determined by the relevant teacher that bullying behaviour has taken place, the parent(s) / guardians of the parties involved should be contacted at an early stage to inform them of the matter and explain the actions being taken with reference to the school policy which will be again given to all parties. The school will give parent(s) / guardian(s)an opportunity of discussing ways in which they can re enforce or support the actions taken by the school and the supports provided to the pupils.
Where the relevant teacher has determined that a pupil has engaged in bullying behaviour it should be made clear to him/her how he/she is in breach of the school’s anti bullying policy and efforts should be made to try to get him/her to see the situation from the perspective of the pupil being bullied using the school Bullying Investigation Sheet.
It must be made clear to all involved – each set of parent(s)/guardians that in any situation where disciplinary sanctions are required, this is a private matter between the pupil being disciplined, his or her parent(s) / guardians and the school.
Where a parent(s) / guardian(s) is not satisfied that the school has dealt with a bullying case in accordance with these procedures, the parent(s) /guardians will be referred as appropriate to the school’s complaints procedures.
In the event that a parent(s) / guardian(s) has exhausted the school’s complaint’s procedures and is still not satisfied, the school will advise the parent(s) / guardian(s) of their right to make a complaint to the Ombudsman for children.
A pupil or parent may bring a bullying concern to any teacher / S.N.A. in the school. S.N.A.s refer reports onto Class Teacher / Principal. Individual teachers must take appropriate measures regarding reports of bullying behaviour in accordance with the school’s anti-bullying policy. In these procedures, the member of teaching staff who has responsibility for investigating and dealing with bullying is referred to as the “relevant teacher”. In our school the relevant teacher will normally be the Class Teacher /Yard Duty Teacher with the support of the Principal / Deputy Principal. Any teacher can be the relevant teacher when an incident is reported to them or when circumstances are appropriate.
Investigations must be done by Relevant Teacher / Principal both in a room with glass paneled doors where pupils and teachers are clearly visible.
Misbehaviour is investigated, monitored for repeats and records are kept of bullying behaviour.
Intervention strategies used by the school for dealing with cases of bullying behaviour also listed at the end of these levels.
Teachers cover for each other to allow these processes to happen.
being unacceptable & Issue Misbehaviour Sheet with facts written on top.
Ask a colleague to cover for you as you speak to pupils
separately and in a group to gather information either verbally Inf. – 1st or using the School Investigation Sheet 2nd – 6th – Appendix A.
Try to resolve the issue using a Restorative Approach Role
Reversal etc.
Use Circle Time Sessions as soon as possible.
Send misbehaviour sheet home and keep Record Sheet on file for reference.
Teacher will follow up progress with affected pupils.
Serious talk with student(s) re:effects of their behaviour.
Verbal warning. Pupil(s) involved warned to stop.
Seek verbal agreement re: future behaviour.
Outline a fair outcome if appropriate:
e.g. an apology, return of property etc.
A Misbehaviour Sheet – Inside orOutside / Class Charter Rewrite may be given at this stage.
Fill in Accident Report Sheet in cases of injury.
*Cyberbullying may also need a
general letter home to class(es)
See Appendix B
Level 2 – BULLYING LEVEL : Second Report of misbehaviour by a pupil towards the same pupil or group.
Action taken by
Procedure
Support and/or sanction may include:
Relevant Teacher & Principal / Deputy Principal
Incident investigated by the
Relevant Teacher & Principal / Deputy Principal to gather more information and establish facts. This information may be gathered verbally Jun – 1st or using the
Misbehaviour / Bullying
Investigation Sheet 2nd – 6th
Appendix A.
Both sets of parents informed by the Principal / Deputy Principal in writing using Appendix C for Bully and Appendix D for those bullied.
A Formal Record is kept on the Incident Template and the amount of these is reported to each Board of Management Meeting.
Principal / Relevant Teacher
follows up progress with affected pupils.
Serious talk with the student regarding behaviour and future behaviour.
Parents / Guardians and Pupils sign written agreement regarding future
behaviour. Appendix C.
Teachers may get support from NEPS
Psychologist regarding this pupil.
Misbehaviour Sheet / Withdrawal of
Privileges / School Activity or other agreed sanction from school’s Code of Behaviour.
Fill in Accident Report Sheet in cases of injury.
Monitor future behaviour.
Level 3 – SERIOUS BULLYING LEVEL : Where misbehaviour behaviour persists / serious incidents of bullying towards the same pupil or group.
Action taken by
Procedure
Support and/or Sanction
Relevant Teacher & Principal / Deputy Principal plus
Chairperson B.O.M.
Parents and pupil meet with Principal / Deputy Principal & Chairperson B.O.M.
A Formal Record is kept on the Incident Template and the amount of these is reported to each Board of Management Meeting. *Recording on CPOR by Principal at Board Meetings is also mandatory.
Follow up progress with the affected pupils.
The future of the student in the school may be considered.
Suspension / Expulsion as per Code of Behaviour or other agreed sanction by Board of Management.
Relevant Teacher / Principal /Deputy Principal meet with parents to outline seriousness of behaviour, Suspension and expulsion procedures are outlined and immediate conditions are set
regarding student’s ongoing behaviour. A single incident of serious misconduct as part of ongoing bullying may be grounds for suspension.
A Misbehaviour Sheet – Inside or
Outside / Class Charter Rewrite may be given at this stage.
Fill in Accident Report Sheet in cases of injury.
Referral to NEPS for counselling / anger management for victim/bully
Appendix A – Dooish N.S. Restorative Level 1 – Investigation or Levels 2 & 3 Bullying Incident Sheet
Write in 6 Qs for 2nd – 6th Class / Oral & Simplify / Colour for Infants -1st
Relevant Teacher: First Time or Repeated?
Alleged Incident:
(Write individually where one pupil can’t see the other’s work. Discuss with group to help establish the facts)
Pupil’s Name: Date:
What happened?
What were you thinking at the time?
What have you thought about it since?
Who has been harmed or affected and in what way?
How could things have been done differently?
What do you think needs to happen next?
Incident Facts Summary Following Investigation:
Action Taken:
Appendix B – Letter to Parents Re. Cyberbullying
To: Parents of X Class Re: Internet Safety
Dear Parent(s),
It has come to our attention that home pupil activity on social media may be causing distress to some pupils.
It is the school’s reasonable request that pupils attending our school should not communicate inappropriately to or about each other using their home devices.
Please supervise your child’s activity to ensure that harm doesn’t occur to them or to others. Further safety information is available on Webwise.ie
Our school uses ‘Seesaw’ and ‘Webex’ for Remote Learning with families who also follow necessary safety guidelines.
Cyberbullying is something we all need to be aware of and help prevent.
Remember that anything that goes up on the Internet stays there forever.
Yours faithfully, Principal / Teacher / Chairperson
Cyberbullying is now a well established type of bullying. Parents should be aware of potential cyberbullying by monitoring their children’s usage. Placing a once-off offensive or hurtful public message, image or statement on a social network site or other public forum where that message, image or statement can be viewed and/or repeated by other people will be regarded as bullying behaviour by the gardaí.
In School we monitor the allowed use of school technology using the Acceptable Use Policy from our Red School Policy Booklet.
At home or in the community it is important that children are also supervised when on line. Primary School Children should not have access to Social Networking sites. Ongoing education and awareness is necessary for us all in these challenging times. A parental e-safety guide is available by emailing e-safety kit @ safeinternet.org or go to www.saferinternet.org. Please encourage your children to be kinder to each other and to consider the feelings of others.
Appendix C – Letter to Parent to inform them that their child has been bullying
Dear Parents,
Following investigation your child has been bullying another pupil / pupils. Under our Anti Bullying Policy we are obliged to contact you to ask you to sign an agreement below regarding your child’s future conduct. Level 2 – Bullying Level .
Please advise your child of the necessity to change the behaviour that has caused upset to others. Intervention strategies are used by staff right
throughout the year to help improve behaviour.
An appointment has been made for you with Mr. Boner in Dooish N.S. on
We are now aware of our child’s recent ongoing bullying behaviour at school . At enrolment we agreed to follow the school’s Code of Behaviour and now wish to commit once again to the behaviour expected in the interests of our child and the other pupils and staff at our school.
We accept the sanctions applied and will work towards an immediate change in behaviour.
Signed: (Parents)
Pupil : (Bullying Level 2)
Appendix D Information Note to parent of bullied pupil. – Bullying Level 2
Re:
Dear Parent(s),
Unfortunately your child has been the victim of Bullying
following investigation and application of our Anti Bullying Policy.
The other pupil(s) parents have been informed and they with their child are entering into a written commitment that there will not be a repeat of this behaviour.
Please talk to your child and reassure them that steps are being
taken to prevent this behaviour from continuing.
School interventions to help prevent bullying are being followed right throughout the year.
If you feel that you or your child need further information or
See Also Child Protection Oversight Report to B.O.M. by Principal
The school’s programme of support for working with pupils affected by bullying is as follows (see Section 6.8 of the Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools) :
The school’s programme of support for working with pupils affected by bullying is as follows.
All in school supports and opportunities will be provided for the pupils affected by bullying to participate in activities designed to raise their self-esteem, to develop friendships, social skills and build resilience.
S.N.A.s will encourage special pupils to interact with mainstream pupils.
If pupils require counselling or further supports, the school will endeavour to liaise with the appropriate agencies to organise same. This may be for the pupil affected by bullying or involved in the bullying behaviour. Referrals may be made to these external agencies and authorities where appropriate. In cases where a school has serious concerns in relation to managing the behaviour of a pupil, the advice of NEPS will be sought.
Pupils should understand that there are no innocent bystanders and that all incidents of bullying behaviour must be reported to a teacher.
Supervision and Monitoring of Pupils
The Board of Management confirms that appropriate supervision and monitoring policies and practices are in place to both prevent and deal with bullying behaviour and to facilitate early intervention where possible. Staff, parents and pupils will identify ‘Hot Spots’ and ‘Hot Times’ which can be monitored by staff and pupil bystanders who can help report also. Supervision is carried out at all breaks in the mornings also.
Prevention of Harassment
The Board of Management confirms that the school will, in accordance with its obligations under equality legislation, take all such steps that are reasonably practicable to prevent the sexual harassment of pupils or staff or the harassment of pupils or staff on any of the nine grounds specified i.e. gender including transgender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race and membership of the Traveller community.
Bullying of staff by staff will be dealt with under the Code of Professional Conduct / Grievance Procedures.
Difficulties between pupils and staff will be dealt with under the School Grievance Procedures.
This policy was adopted by the Board of Management on ____Jan 2024__________ [date].
This policy has been made available to school personnel, published on the school website (or where none exists, is otherwise readily accessible to parents and pupils on request) and provided to the Parents’ Association (where one exists). A copy of this policy will be made available to the Department and the patron if requested.
This policy and its implementation will be reviewed by the Board of Management once in every school year and submissions via email sought in advance. Written notification that the review has been completed will be made available to school personnel, published on the school website (or where none exists, be otherwise readily accessible to parents and pupils on request) and provided to the Parents’ Association (where one exists). A record of the review and its outcome will be made available, if requested, to the patron and the Department.
This 2023 / 2024 policy was initially ratified by the Board of Management on 6th June 2023 and following advice by Cigire Uí Bhaoill regarding template format, was amended and adopted by the new Board of Management in January 2024 and re published on the school website.
This policy was formulated by the staff and parent representatives at a School Development Planning Day on June 15th 2009 and revised annually since then. It was necessary to review our Code of Behaviour at this particular time to ensure existing policy is in compliance with legal requirements and good practice as set out in Developing a Code of Behaviour:Guidelines for Schools, NEWB, 2008.
In our school we aim to allow children to develop positive self-esteem and self-discipline. We allow them to feel secure and make progress on all aspects of their development. Our Code of Behaviour fosters a sense of community and cooperation towards promoting positive behaviour with the co-operation of parents, pupils and staff in an atmosphere of Christian care. Our aims include the following:
To ensure an educational environment that is guided by our vision statement.
To allow the school to function in an orderly way where children can make progress in all aspects of their development.
To create an atmosphere of respect, tolerance and consideration for others.
To promote positive behaviour and self-discipline, recognising the differences between children and the need to accommodate these differences.
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all members of the school community.
To assist parents and pupils in understanding the systems and procedures that form part of the code of behaviour and to seek their co-operation in the application of these procedures.
Content and Procedures
Guidelines for behaviour in the school
The Education Welfare Act, Section 23, states that the code of behaviour shall specify “the standards of behaviour that shall be observed by each student attending the school”.
The standards of behaviour the school wishes to promote/expects from the pupils are:
Each pupil is expected to be well behaved and to show consideration for other pupils and adults at school or when representing the school.
Each pupil is expected to show respect for the property of the school and other property belonging to themselves or others.
Each pupil is expected to attend school on a regular basis and to be punctual.
Each pupil is expected to do his/her best both in school and for homework.
Each pupil is encouraged to wear their school uniform.
Whole school approach in promoting positive behaviour
The elements of a whole school approach to behaviour include
An ethos, policies and practices that are in harmony.
A teamwork approach to behaviour.
A whole-school approach to curriculum and classroom management.
An inclusive and involved school community.
A systematic process for planning and reviewing behaviour policy.
We promote a whole school approach to the promotion of positive behaviour in the following manner:
Staff
All staff participated in the review of our document.
Staff will create a positive learning environment.
Staff will create a positive relationship with pupils and their parents.
Staff will promote positive behaviour through a variety of strategies.
Newly appointed teachers are informed in the policy handbooks of our code and procedures to promote positive behaviour.
Staff will discuss behaviour at staff meetings and on planning days as necessary.
Appropriate work is provided for pupils to promote a work ethos and staff will adapt the curriculum to the needs of the pupil.
SPHE curriculum is used to help us promote positive behaviour. Programmes such as Walk Tall and Stay Safe support the curriculum.
Class teachers discuss class rules with children at the beginning of each year and Class Charters are drawn up and displayed in the classroom.
Class Teachers pass on information on individual needs of pupils to the next teacher.
Teachers support children with SEN in interpreting the code.
Staff will teach social skills using social stories e.g. Circle Time / Reactions to Conflict.
Staff will report positive behaviour to parents also.
Staff will set up a buddy system in the yard for at risk pupils.
Board of Management
The staff and parent representatives of our school worked together to review and update our policy.
The B.O.M. support the Code of Behaviour and the staff with its implementation.
The B.O.M. provide opportunities for the staff to obtain training to support the Code where necessary.
The B.O.M. works with the staff and principal to deal with serious breaches of the Code of Behaviour.
Parents
All parents were sent a copy via email to review and give feedback and Parents’ representatives from B.O.M. took part in the Code of Behaviour review.
Parents are given a policy booklet containing school rules / Code of Behaviour at enrolment.
Pupils will co-operate with the Code of Behaviour fully as parents and teachers work together to implement the code.
Parents sign a declaration on enrolment to co-operate with the school’s Code of Behaviour Policy and Anti Bullying Policy.
Parents ensure their children attend school regularly (as per the school calendar year) and punctually.
Parents encourage their children to do their best and to take responsibility for their work.
Parents are aware of and cooperate with the school’s rules and system of rewards and sanctions.
Parents attend scheduled meetings at the school if requested and P/ T Meetings also.
Parents help their children with homework and ensure that it is completed.
Parents ensure that their children have the necessary stationery for school.
Pupils
Teachers work with children in discussing school rules and setting class rules/ class charter.
SPHE is used to teach the code – Circle Time, Music and Drama.
Dooish N.S. Anti-Bullying Policy
In accordance with the requirements of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 and the Code of Behaviour guidelines issued by the NEWB, the Board of Management of Dooish N.S. proposes to adopt the following anti-bullying policy within the framework of the school’s overall code of behaviour. This policy fully complies with the requirements of the Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools which were published in September 2013.
The Board of Management recognises the very serious nature of bullying and the negative impact that it can have on the lives of pupils and is therefore fully committed to the following key principles of best practice in preventing and tackling bullying behavior:
A positive school culture and climate which is welcoming of difference and diversity and is based on inclusivity;
encourages pupils to disclose and discuss incidents of bullying behaviour in a non-threatening environment;
promotes respectful relationships across the school community; See PDST Action Plan to promote a positive school culture and climate.
Effective leadership;
A school-wide / school community approach. Parents are required to co-operate with this policy as requested at enrolment and in particular with any investigation. Parents will also be required to assist the school in resolving any issues and restoring as far as is practicable, the relationships of the parties involved as quickly as possible.
A shared understanding of what bullying is and its impact;
Implementation of education and prevention strategies (including awareness measures) that build empathy, respect and resilience in pupils and explicitly address the issue of cyber-bullying, bullying on the buses, identity based bullying including in particular homophobic and transphobic bullying.
Effective supervision and monitoring of pupils;
Supports for staff;
Consistent recording, investigation and follow up of bullying behaviour (including use of established intervention strategies);
On-going evaluation of the effectiveness of the anti-bullying policy under our annual School Policy Booklet Review.
3. In accordance with the Anti Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools, bullying is defined as follows.
Bullying is unwanted negative behaviour, verbal, psychological or physical conducted, by an individual or group against another person (or persons) and which is repeated over time.
BULLYING IS REPEATED MISBEHAVIOUR TOWARDS AN INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP.
The following types of bullying behaviour are included in the definition of bullying:
. Deliberate exclusion, malicious gossip and other forms of relational bullying,
. Cyber-bullying and identity-based bullying such as homophobic bullying, racist bullying, bullying based on a person’s membership of the Traveller community and bullying of those with disabilities or special educational needs.
The manner in which a school will develop and communicate a shared understanding of bullying among its pupils will depend on factors such as the age and maturity of the pupils concerned.
Isolated or once-off incidents of intentional negative behaviour including a once off offensive or hurtful text message or other private messaging do not fall within the definition of bullying and should be dealt with, as appropriate, in accordance with the school’s Code of Behaviour. However, in the context of this policy, placing a once off offensive or hurtful public message, image or statement on a social network site or other public forum where that message image or statement can be viewed and / or repeated by other people will be regarded as bullying behaviour.
Please encourage your children to be kinder to each other and to consider the feelings of others.
4. In these procedures, the member of teaching staff who has responsibility for investigating and dealing with bullying is referred to as the “relevant teacher”. In our school the relevant teacher will normally be the Class Teacher /Yard Duty Teacher with the support of the Principal / Deputy Principal. Any teacher can be the relevant teacher when an incident is reported to them or when circumstances are appropriate.
The education and prevention strategies that will be used by the school are as follows:
Full implementation of the SPHE, RSE and Stay Safe programmes and curricula to ensure that school culture supports a safe social and personal environment. Training is available to all staff from the Education Centre / After School.
Seminars and approaches to bullying for staff are continually available from Donegal Education Centre. Parents may access community based interventions.
Resources and posters are available in the school.
Specific lessons on bullying from the Stay Safe Programme will be delivered.
Lessons will be given to senior pupils, parents and staff on Safer Internet Use by Donegal Youth Service.
Visits from Gardaí regarding personal safety and cyber bullying will take place.
Training for whole staff will take place in restorative practices.
Structured Play / Circle Time will be used to direct pupils on how to play properly – take turns etc. or challenge developing trends.
Friendship Days, Circle Time Discussion and Class Dojo points will be used to promote good behaviour.
Anti-Bullying Posters pupil / commercial will be displayed throughout the school at all times of the year.
Pupils will continually be reminded by teachers, coaches and bus drivers to be friendly towards each other.
Anti-Bullying Posters pupil / commercial will be displayed throughout the school at all times of the year.
All staff will supervise and monitor classrooms, corridors, school grounds, school tours and extra- curricular activities. Non-teaching and ancillary staff will be encouraged to be vigilant and report issues to relevant teachers. Supervision will also apply to monitoring student use of communication technology within the school especially in regard to I Pods / I Pads / laptops. Mobile phones are only allowed as per A.U.P.
Procedures for Telling
Tell a Teacher / S.N.A. before, during or after class. Bring a friend (open door/glass for child protection).
Tell a Teacher / S.N.A. on Yard Duty.
Get a friend to tell on your behalf inside or outside.
Parent(s) write a note to the Class Teacher /Principal.
Parent(s) request a meeting with your Class Teacher / Principal.
Parent(s) make a phone call to the Principal.
Teachers may administer a confidential questionnaire once a term to all students or ask them to write about how things are going for them. Eg. ‘Sixth Class so far’… Teachers will allow pupils to create a ‘Telling’ Poster to raise awareness on how to tell.
Teachers will emphasize the importance of bystanders telling if they witness bullying taking place.
‘I didn’t mean it’ will not be a sufficient defence if the pupil who is bullied felt that there was an unwanted negative behaviour towards them.
In cases where it has been determined by the relevant teacher that bullying behaviour has taken place, the parent(s) / guardians of the parties involved should be contacted at an early stage to inform them of the matter and explain the actions being taken with reference to the school policy which will be again given to all parties. The school will give parent(s) / guardian(s)an opportunity of discussing ways in which they can re enforce or support the actions taken by the school and the supports provided to the pupils.
Where the relevant teacher has determined that a pupil has engaged in bullying behaviour it should be made clear to him/her how he/she is in breach of the school’s anti bullying policy and efforts should be made to try to get him/her to see the situation from the perspective of the pupil being bullied using the school Bullying Investigation Sheet.
It must be made clear to all involved – each set of parent(s)/guardians that in any situation where disciplinary sanctions are required, this is a private matter between the pupil being disciplined, his or her parent(s) / guardians and the school.
Where a parent(s) / guardian(s) is not satisfied that the school has dealt with a bullying case in accordance with these procedures, the parent(s) /guardians will be referred as appropriate to the school’s complaints procedures.
In the event that a parent(s) / guardian(s) has exhausted the school’s complaint’s procedures and is still not satisfied, the school will advise the parent(s) / guardian(s) of their right to make a complaint to the Ombudsman for children.
Investigating and Dealing with Bullying Behaviour:
A pupil or parent may bring a bullying concern to any teacher / S.N.A. in the school. S.N.A.s refer reports onto Class Teacher / Principal. Individual teachers must take appropriate measures regarding reports of bullying behaviour in accordance with the school’s anti-bullying policy. In these procedures, the member of teaching staff who has responsibility for investigating and dealing with bullying is referred to as the “relevant teacher”. In our school the relevant teacher will normally be the Class Teacher /Yard Duty Teacher with the support of the Principal / Deputy Principal. Any teacher can be the relevant teacher when an incident is reported to them or when circumstances are appropriate.
Investigations must be done by Relevant Teacher / Principal both in a room with glass paneled doors where pupils and teachers are clearly visible.
Misbehaviour is investigated, monitored for repeats and records are kept of bullying behaviour.
Intervention strategies used by the school for dealing with cases of bullying behaviour also listed at the end of these levels.
Teachers cover for each other to allow these processes to happen.
being unacceptable & Issue Misbehaviour Sheet with facts written on top.
Ask a colleague to cover for you as you speak to pupils
separately and in a group to gather information either verbally Inf. – 1st or using the School Investigation Sheet 2nd – 6th – Appendix A.
Try to resolve the issue using a Restorative Approach Role
Reversal etc.
Use Circle Time Sessions as soon as possible.
Send misbehaviour sheet home and keep Record Sheet on file for reference.
Teacher will follow up progress with affected pupils.
Serious talk with student(s) re:effects of their behaviour.
Verbal warning. Pupil(s) involved warned to stop.
Seek verbal agreement re: future behaviour.
Outline a fair outcome if appropriate:
e.g. an apology, return of property etc.
A Misbehaviour Sheet – Inside orOutside / Class Charter Rewrite may be given at this stage.
Fill in Accident Report Sheet in cases of injury.
*Cyberbullying may also need a
general letter home to class(es)
See Appendix B
Level 2 – BULLYING LEVEL : Second Report of misbehaviour by a pupil towards the same pupil or group.
Action taken by
Procedure
Support and/or sanction may include:
Relevant Teacher & Principal / Deputy Principal
Incident investigated by the
Relevant Teacher & Principal / Deputy Principal to gather more information and establish facts. This information may be gathered verbally Jun – 1st or using the
Misbehaviour / Bullying
Investigation Sheet 2nd – 6th
Appendix A.
Both sets of parents informed by the Principal / Deputy Principal in writing using Appendix C for Bully and Appendix D for those bullied.
A Formal Record is kept on the Incident Template and the amount of these is reported to each Board of Management Meeting.
Principal / Relevant Teacher
follows up progress with affected pupils.
Serious talk with the student regarding behaviour and future behaviour.
Parents / Guardians and Pupils sign written agreement regarding future
behaviour. Appendix C.
Teachers may get support from NEPS
Psychologist regarding this pupil.
Misbehaviour Sheet / Withdrawal of
Privileges / School Activity or other agreed sanction from school’s Code of Behaviour.
Fill in Accident Report Sheet in cases of injury.
Monitor future behaviour.
Level 3 – SERIOUS BULLYING LEVEL : Where misbehaviour behaviour persists / serious incidents of bullying towards the same pupil or group.
Action taken by
Procedure
Support and/or Sanction
Relevant Teacher & Principal / Deputy Principal plus
Chairperson B.O.M.
Parents and pupil meet with Principal / Deputy Principal & Chairperson B.O.M.
A Formal Record is kept on the Incident Template and the amount of these is reported to each Board of Management Meeting. *Recording on CPOR by Principal at Board Meetings is also mandatory.
Follow up progress with the affected pupils.
The future of the student in the school may be considered.
Suspension / Expulsion as per Code of Behaviour or other agreed sanction by Board of Management.
Relevant Teacher / Principal /Deputy Principal meet with parents to outline seriousness of behaviour, Suspension and expulsion procedures are outlined and immediate conditions are set
regarding student’s ongoing behaviour. A single incident of serious misconduct as part of ongoing bullying may be grounds for suspension.
A Misbehaviour Sheet – Inside or
Outside / Class Charter Rewrite may be given at this stage.
Fill in Accident Report Sheet in cases of injury.
Referral to NEPS for counselling / anger management for victim/bully
Intervention strategies include:
· Teacher interviews with individual pupils / groups using Misbehaviour/Bullying Record Sheet 2nd – 6th or verbal Interview Inf. – 1st with support from other teachers / Principal / Deputy Principal.
· Negotiating agreements between students and following these up by monitoring progress. This can be on an informal basis or implemented through a more structured mediation process.
· Working with parents to support school interventions.
· No Blame Approach.
· Circle Time.
· Restorative interviews.
· Restorative conferencing.
· Mediation Techniques.
* Interventions can be approached inside or outside of the classroom.
Restorative techniques training received.
Recording of Bullying Behaviour
(i) All reports of repeated misbehaviour towards the same person or group must be investigated and dealt with by the relevant teacher who will keep a record of the investigation and action taken. The Misbehaviour / Bullying Record Sheet 2nd – 6th or Oral Discussion using similar questions or getting pupils to draw what happened to establish facts can be used at all levels.
(ii) If it is established by the relevant teacher that bullying has occurred, the relevant teacher must keep formal written records at Level 2 – Bullying Level which will assist his/her efforts to resolve the issues and restore, as far as is practicable, the relationships of the parties involved.
(iii) At Level 2 – Bullying Level an account of these record sheets is reported to the Board of Management for general review and discussion. It is also necessary to report them on Child Protection Oversight Report.
The school’s programme of support for working with pupils affected by bullying is as follows.
All in school supports and opportunities will be provided for the pupils affected by bullying to participate in activities designed to raise their self-esteem, to develop friendships, social skills and build resilience.
S.N.A.s will encourage special pupils to interact with mainstream pupils.
If pupils require counselling or further supports, the school will endeavour to liaise with the appropriate agencies to organise same. This may be for the pupil affected by bullying or involved in the bullying behaviour. Referrals may be made to these external agencies and authorities where appropriate. In cases where a school has serious concerns in relation to managing the behaviour of a pupil, the advice of NEPS will be sought.
Pupils should understand that there are no innocent bystanders and that all incidents of bullying behaviour must be reported to a teacher.
See Also Child Protection Oversight Report to B.O.M. by Principal
Supervision and Monitoring of Pupils
The Board of Management confirms that appropriate supervision and monitoring policies and practices are in place to both prevent and deal with bullying behaviour and to facilitate early intervention where possible. Staff, Parents and Pupils will identify bullying hotspots and hot times which can be monitored by staff and pupil bystanders who can help report also. Supervision is carried out at all breaks and in the mornings also.
Prevention of Harassment
The Board of Management confirms that the school will, in accordance with its obligations under equality legislation, take all such steps that are reasonably practicable to prevent the sexual harassment of pupils or staff or the harassment of pupils or staff on any of the nine grounds specified i.e. gender including transgender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race and membership of the Traveller community.
The following are some practical tips for immediate actions that can be taken to help build a positive school culture and climate and to help prevent and tackle bullying behaviour.
Model respectful behaviour to all members of the school community at all times.
Explicitly teach pupils what respectful language and respectful behaviour looks like, acts like, sounds like and feels like in class and around the school.
Display key respect messages in classrooms, in assembly areas and around the school. Involve pupils in the development of these messages.
Catch them being good – notice and acknowledge desired respectful behaviour by providing positive attention.
Consistently tackle the use of discriminatory and derogatory language in the school – this includes homophobic and racist language and language that is belittling of pupils with a disability or SEN.
Give constructive feedback to pupils when respectful behaviour and respectful language are ignored.
Have a system of encouragement and rewards to promote desired behaviour and compliance with the school rules and routines.
Explicitly teach pupils about the appropriate use of social media.
Positively encourage pupils to comply with the school rules on mobile phone and internet use. Follow up and follow through with pupils who ignore the rules.
Bullying of staff by staff will be dealt with under the Code of Professional Conduct / Grievance Procedures.
Difficulties between pupils and staff will be dealt with under the School Grievance Procedures.
Ratification and Review
This policy was first ratified by the Board of Management in April 2014. Further input was sought in 2015 arising out of WSE 2014 Parents, Management and Staff were consulted before the final 2015/16 policy above was ratified. It will be ratified annually along with all our Red Book Policies. It is also available for inspection by the Department / Patron.
Submissions were invited to dooish@hotmail.com before the 31st May 2023.
Policy was ratified by the Board of Management on 6th June 2023.